Since e-cigs are a fairly new invention, it's tough to scientifically discern if they are healthier or more harmful than cigarettes. In his latest video, Aaron Carroll takes a look at the documented research. While the topic has yet to be studied seriously, there are some a priori reasons to think vaping would be safer than cigarettes: Without fire, there are no carcinogenic partially combusted carbon molecules. Studies find detectable amounts of carcinogenic nitrosamines in some vapor formulations, but vastly less than in cigarettes. Though I can find no studies on the question, presumably e-cigs would have less or none of the radioactive isotopes found in tobacco leaves.
However, until the studies are done, we can't be sure about that. Sensible FDA regulation would be a good start, to help cut back on the huge inaccuracies in some vapor labeling and to ensure quality manufacturing processes. Watch Carroll explain further below. --Ryan Cooper
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